Also this month:

* NC A&T Project to Improve Food Stamp Nutrition

* Tailored Information Best for Farm Safety

* NC A&T and Guilford County Extension Team for Small Farm Day

* Innovative Internship Program Exposes Students to Retail Management

* NC A&T Hosts USDA Scholars

* NC A&T Department Faculty at National Conference

Other News Links:

Press Release Archive  

Cooperative Extension Press Releases 

Agricultural Research Press Releases 

General Links:

NC A&T School of Agriculture 

Agricultural Communications 

Mitch Arnold, news editor 

"In our country today, nearly five million children under the age of three spend time in the care of others while their mothers work," said Dr. Shirley Rouse, a 4-H and youth development specialist in North Carolina A&T State University's Cooperative Extension Program. "The fact that social behaviorists have found that child care causes the greatest source of anxiety for today's parents shows what a prominent issue this is for parents across America."

According to Rouse, the anxiety felt by parents is not surprising given the frightening stories about child care which we read and hear in the news. She cautions, however, that parents should understand that good child care settings are more common than substandard settings.

"Though inadequate child care stories make the evening news and newspaper, these situations are the exceptions, not the rule," said Rouse. "Most people working in child care facilities are there because they genuinely care for children."

Another issue concerning many parents is a belief that using outside child care hurts the growth and development of children. Rouse points out that research has shown that children in such settings do well in all measures of development, and, that as long as the care is good, it doesn't matter whether it is given at home or at a child care center.

"The key to good child care is satisfying the child's needs at a developmentally appropriate level," said Rouse. "Needs are different for different children at different ages."

Infants, for example, need eye-to-eye contact, skin-to-skin contact, and mental stimulation, in addition to the basic food, physical and environmental needs. Such practices help them learn about people, words, and objects, and how to relate to others and express emotions.

According to Rouse, during infancy, children develop trust in their environment, which will affect the type of attachment to parents or other caregivers.

"During this stage of development, parental and caregivers' interaction is critical," said Rouse. "If infants receive affection, proper care, and love, they develop a sense of trust. If these basic needs are not met, they become suspicious and mistrusting of their surroundings. Furthermore, an infant who establishes a secure attachment will trust his or her caregivers, thereby relieving the anxieties of caregivers."

For times when parents are unable to be their child's caregiver, Rouse offers the following suggestions for choosing a daycare center:

• Make an unannounced visit to the prospective daycare center to determine if the needs of your child will be adequately met. If unannounced visits are not welcomed or available only during certain hours, rethink enrolling your child there.
  
• Identify the ratio of caregivers to children. One caregiver can usually care for the needs of up to six children or four infants. It is important to have a low ratio of children per adult because personal attention and dialogue are critical to a child's growth.
  
• Determine the staff's credentials and the center's accreditation. Providers should have taken some courses in child development, first aid, and other relevant training. Centers should be properly accredited.
  
• Look for caregivers who show their interest in children by making eye-to-eye contact and relating well with them. Children who are encouraged and praised from infancy are more likely to be successful in later life.
  
• Check on the turnover rate of the staff. High turnover rates do not provide the children with an environment of consistency.
  
• Evaluate the general appearance and cleanliness of the center. Does it appear safe and appropriate for various age groups?
  
• Ask about the basic philosophy of the center and make sure it represents your personal and family values and needs.
  
• If the care is being provided in a home, ask to meet other people who will be in the house during the time that your child is there. Make sure that you are comfortable with every household member

For additional questions regarding child care, Rouse recommends that parents visit their local Cooperative Extension county office, public libraries, magazines and books related to parenting. Other possible sources of information include the Internet, agencies such as the Family Life Council, trusted family members, pediatricians, and others in the child development field.

"Don't be afraid to ask questions," said Rouse. "Many people share your concerns or have experienced the same concerns with their children. Use that experience to find a setting which pleases both you and your child."

For more information, please contact Dr. Shirley Rouse, NC A&T Cooperative Extension Program, (336) 334-7956.